2008 Dart Open, June 7/8

With Snettisham Beach hosting the Single Handed National Championships later in the year, the Dart Open gave an ideal opportunity for some of the fleet to practice their racing skills for this individual event.

The forecast for light showers and a 12 knot wind on Saturday almost came true but the rain was persistent which tested both competitors and race officers William Dickson and Roger Bell over three races.

Guy Playford won the first and third race with Robert Fletcher and Ian Clayton taking the second race, resulting in a single hander leading at the end of day one.

Sunday was dry and although the wind was forecast to drop, it continued to blow with, as some saw it, unpredictable shifts.

Guy's route up the first beat meant that a shift gave him a considerable lead which he held to take the first race, making him well placed to win the event.

Robert and Ian came back to win the final two races, which left both boats on equal points, equal firsts.

After a quick check on the rules, the event was won by the result of the last race, hence Robert and Ian regained the trophy.

Losing the event by Appendix A, Rule 8.2 was disappointing for Guy.

But he looks to be a strong contender for the Single Handed Nationals in September.

Results: 1 Bob Fletcher/Ian Clayton (Snettisham Beach SC – SBSC) total 9.0, 2 Guy Playford (SBSC) 9.0, 3 Mark Fletcher (SBSC) 21.0, 4 Colin Rudd/Jane Robinson (SBSC) 22.0, 5 Brian Steeds/Saskia Steeds (SBSC) 33.0.